The Black Canyon and the Escalante Canyon we’re quite a contrast. The Black Canyon is narrow and deep with rough rock sides. At one point it is only 40 ft across but over 200 ft deep.
The Gunnison River at the bottom was a welcome respite from the heat at the rim. Mrs Ram got some fishing in as we cooled our feet in the river
That rainbow trout resisted every tempting lure she dangled before him. The game warden stopped by to check fishing licenses. Linda had picked up hers in Pagosa Springs so she was ok but a woman nearby seemed unprepared for his visit.
The warden also noted that you could not keep rainbow trout caught in this section of river. I guess that trout knew the the rules so he steered clear of Mrs Rams lures.
Since the river was so pleasant we had dinner there as well.
We camped on BLM land just outside the park. It was free shaded and had ATT signal.
After stopping by the library for some good WiFi in Montrose, we headed for Sweitzer Lake State Park for cool water and shade. The dip in the water was refreshing and counted as “bathing” since our last two camping spots had no showers.
The second Canyon in Dominguez Escalante was wider and covered with trees.
The BLM official, free campground required Sparty to make another water crossing, this time without a boat.
Mrs Ram did not like the flies at the Dominguez Campground so we headed back up out of the canyon and found a free spot on the rim.
Mrs Rams knee had been bothering her since Mesa Verde and climbing in and out of Sparty was not helping. She needed some rest and a pool. Sparty was also in need of attention – an oil change and a new tire
Off to Grand Junction to the Ram dealer and a Clarion Inn with two pools.